I adore this film. I think many of us see a bit of ourselves in Caden, especially those of us who strive for creative recognition. We want praise, validation, and sometimes that can get in the way of our emotional connections and relationships with others. All of us are at least a tad self-centered; that's part of the human condition. Kaufman throws it in our face and that doesn't go unappreciated. This is an excellent and ambitious video, Dan. I really want to rewatch Synecdoche, and I can't wait for part two! Keep it up!
I have watched this film five times and skimmed it as many times, and it is a truly staggering work of art. When I recommend it to people I always add that they need to give it their full, undivided attention.
@@drakoinx It's incredible how unknown A Scanner Darkly is, considering all the huge names involved and the general success of PKD adaptations. If you haven't already, you should seriously read the book. It's one of PKD's best, IMO. The "What does a scanner see?" and "That one touch of her hand" segments are probably the most powerfully PKD has ever resonated with me. That's not even mentioning the afterword - literature, movies, and music very rarely make me genuinely emotional, but I was in tears by the end of that afterword.
I always return to this film and I take a new piece of life lessons from it. Caden's project of making a huge play always reminded me of procrastination. Like when you're a student you waste alot of time trying to find the "best way to study" when the answer is is to just get started. Alot of his issues were him being to scared to make a choice in fear of it backfiring. He didn't commit to hazel, he didn't continue to pursue olive until it was too late, he didn't name his play, he didnt try to make his relationship with Claire work, and he didn't follow through with his own suicide. Everything he did was half assed. So what I got out of it was if I wanted to not be a caden, I had to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. I went back to college for what I'm passionate about, and also work. Earlier in my life when I watched this film I broke up with a girl that I could have been in a loveless relationship with because I feared I wouldn't be able to find anyone else. Now I'm married to my life partner. You have to be honest with yourself and go after what you want, and really know what you want in life. Because we all are just going to die, so you might as well try.
You might mention this, but just in case you don't and I forget to comment, there is also the rose tattoo which sheds the leaf when Olive dies which was also a line in the poem about Autumn in the beginning of the movie.
Beautiful film, beautiful analysis. One thing I love about this film is that, I believe, no person leaves this film with the same interpretation as another. This is what makes it such a masterful piece of art. Not only that, but it is one of few films I can say has actually affected my mentality and the way I view things. Many films incorporate death into their story, but this is one of few, if not the only film where it feels like you're watching somebody who is already dead. There's so much about this film that I truly adore that it only grows on me more and more as time passes by. And man, there is quite an irony in that.
Thank you kindly! I'd say that's true for all of Charlie Kaufman's work, which is why I think he's such a good writer, being able to draw so many different reactions from an audience is amazing. Yeah, he really is a zombie through most of the movie, which I think is a really accurate portrayal of depression and anxiety.
Another fantastic video. You can see truly see the amount of effort that goes into these essays, and it's wonderful and impressive. Keep up the great work brother.
This is such a brilliant video! I hated Synecdoche, New York so much when I first watched it. I found it to be boring, pretentious, and honestly pointless. Your analysis has opened my eyes and provided a complete 180 degree shift in opinion. I see now how important this film is and how very resonant it is with many aspects of my own human condition. Caden's reluctance to open his heart and fear of connection is something I think all people can honestly, profoundly relate to. Your insight and deconstruction of this film is truly invaluable to pulling the absolute most out of a viewing experience. Amazing work, friend. Truly great work. I eagerly anticipate the second part to this video. Also, thank you so, so much for plugging my music with this video. I cannot begin to thank you enough!
Glad I could change your mind! That's the wonder of Charlie Kaufman, shoving reality right in your face whether you like it or not. Thank you so much for the kind words. I love your music, I wouldn't share it if I didn't think it was truly worth anyone and everyone's time to check out!
Watch YMS analysis on Synecdoche, New York. It's even more in-depth, you will understand everything. It's my favorite movie and it's amazing when you understand the complexity of every detail .
Its good you realized that. Here's a little tip - if you think something is pretentious, the problem probably isn't with the movie. "Pretentious" is a word people use when they want to insult something, but there's nothing to insult. They use it when they don't immediately understand something, but don't want to feel stupid or engage with the work. It's easier to dismiss something as pretentious than it is to open yourself to it, or to be an active viewer. And after all, if something is pretentious nonsense, then it's ok if you didn't really engage with it, and you wouldn't have to feel bad for not understanding it! It's a word that's totally divorced from its original meaning, and is used as an excuse to dismiss or even shame originality, honesty, and experimentation. It's the way people who only watch big budget summer blockbusters or listen to top 40 justify their narrow viewpoint. Next time you find yourself thinking something is pretentious, ask yourself what made you think that. If you don't find a solid reason (as opposed to an overall feeling/impression), try letting yourself be more receptive to it; watch with an open heart and active mind. Let the art do what it's trying to do. You might just find something great. TL;DR - The word "pretentious" is almost exclusively used as an excuse to justify plebianism.
This is truly the freshest perspective that I have encountered on the film in quite some time. I absolutely loved it! Quite possibly the most underrated film of all time. Can't wait to go through your other videos now :)
Hey, great analysis! Personally, though I'm not sure if Caden really experiences understanding in the end. He seems to be trying to appreciate Ellen's story, but when she tells him about her life, he imagines connections that relate only to HIMSELF, such as Adele telling him everybody's disappointing or an image of his daughter Olive, after hearing, "Where is my little girl?" repeated over and over. So even though, he tries to break down his wall and understand somebody else, I think he still ultimately falls back into selfishness. By the way, I'm sorry if that sounds totally pessimistic! It's just my personal opinion on the film's ending. Your analysis is fantastic by the way! You've clearly got a lot of talent. Thanks for this video! :)
I think there was a very nuanced conveyance of self and other in the denouement of the film. Yes, Caden was incredibly wrapped up in his own ego, but he rebounded near the end. He'd tell those around him that they were all components in not only his story but as 'lead actors' in their own, and of course he was unable to fully, emotionally reach his audience. So, using the surrogate of the likes of Sammy - someone who, despite being something of a 'shadow' himself, is actually able to reach those he loved, like Hazel, and tell her all the things Caden wished so much to. And because Sammy is able to communicate this love unhinibitedly, his heart breaks since he was also truly in love with Hazel. He cares for his daughter Olive because that's what parents are supposed to do. But life slips him by, and he only sees her when she's covered in tattoos and dying, and even then she doesn't recognize him until she quotes a poem they bonded over when she was a child. Yes, Adele is successful and happy because she's able to remove herself from her art, which Caden is unable to do. Increasingly throughout the film, he loses the ability to differentiate between reality and dream, (i.e. the self-help author lady on the plane). Also, his relationship with Claire was a bit confusing. I think she was almost a little marginalized, but she did express a genuine interest in Caden's vision. However, like so many people in Caden's life, she slips him by. Finally, at the end, Caden is able to fully dissolve his ego by placing it outside of himself into Ellen. No longer is it a one-sided story with him as the unreliable narrator. He has moved beyond himself. "You are no Caden. You are Olive. Adele. Claire." It's heart-wrenchingly brilliant. And so many layers!I I love how personal yet all-encompassing Kaufman's works are. He addresses all aspects of the human condition. Both ugly and beautiful.
I think what's great about this movie is that everyone can have a totally different perspective. Everyone's lives include contexts to certain situations and connections that others may not make. It's weird because Caden is almost a blank slate character despite the movie being a very detailed character study. You can't relate to most of his personal experiences but his emotional experiences are almost a rite of passage for most people. I'm aware this comment is from 8 years ago but I'm here now reading all these fascinating comments.
One note on Adele's name: Lack was her surname after her and Caden split. During their marriage, it was "Adele Lack-Cotard". Adele Lack-Cotard. _A delicate art._
Great video and analysis. I've only seen the movie once, since it is so powerful, but I thought a lot about it. I have an additional analysis arising from the burning house; why are there so many bizarre things in the story? The burning house? The lady with the sore feet? the illnesses? - I figured out that the entire movie might be a reconstruction of Caden's lifestory through his fading memories. That's why the house is on fire; Hazel's house ended up burning, and that's why in retrospective, the house always seemed to be on fire; the memories are mixed. This is the case with the illnesses as well; they are perhaps representing all the illnesses old Caden is experiencing as an old man when thinking about and reconstructing his life. Mixup of past and present by an old mind. And the massive dome project could represent the act of reacting an entire life in your head - but its not real. The people are not real - they are constructed from memory and reenacts memories. And every reenactment moves further away from the truth, because madeup ideas are accepted as facts and added to the story.
That's a really cool theory that I haven't heard before, it certainly makes a lot of sense. Honestly, I think even 50 years from now, most of us will still be scratching our heads trying to figure this movie out, and I think that's why Kaufman intended. He seems more interested in emotional experiences in film than a film necessarily making logical sense.
I never noticed that it was indeed Cadens self-centeredness that let him suffer, maybe because i myself have the same condition. I thought of him more like being dedicated to art, not to himself. Your analysis let me live through the movie again, very touching!
Mine is only one interpretation, so you're welcome to agree or disagree with anything I've said in this video(with obvious exception to certain things that are just true about the movie) but for the most part this was my interpretation at the time of making the video, I might come to feel completely differently about the film in time, but that was how I read it at the time.
Excellent analysis. I adore this film, have seen it many times, and you still raised really interesting points I hadn't previously considered. Very good job man.
Just found your channel, and I love what I've seen so far. On par with Channel Criswell, LFTS, etc for sure, and hopefully you'll blow up like they have in the past months.
Thank you! Yeah, I can definitely see that, but I kind of see the film as a very biased POV movie, like, we're seeing the characters the way that Caden sees them more than the way they actually are, but that's the beauty of a movie like this, we can both be right, it's all completely open for interpretation.
Ever since this popped up on Netflix I’ve been obsessed with the movie I watch it at least 6 times within the same week.I EVEN DOWNLOADED THE SONG “LITTLE PEOPLE” FROM THE SOUNDTRACK
That's quite the compliment considering there's YMS's analysis of it. I haven't seen either of yers entirely so I won't judge for now but this is looking to be one of the best.
I love this film, although it reads to me at many times like an absurdist comedy. I felt like it was inviting me not to take it so seriously during its most depressing parts, which I actually loved. Maybe my interpretation is a reflection of myself in some way, but the whimsical and surreal nature of this movie felt in line with a comedy.
If I didn't know who Father John Misty was I would have thought he was a 16th century theologist or something given the way you presented him. Great video though, that was exceptional analysis. I don't really find the same significance you did in the names of the characters, but admittedly that's the type of thing Kaufman could have totally spent hours deciding on. Also throughout the movie I kept thinking how much it resembled a Borges story, and I feel like a lot of the same themes apply.
Hahaha, it was my attempt at a little bit of tongue-in-cheek humor. Though I do feel that line accurately sums up a lot of my feelings about the film. Thank you! Oh for sure, it's a pretty wide open film for interpretations. I'm actually not familiar with his work!
Tbf FJM is kind of the musical equivalent of Charlie Kaufman, at least imo. That quote is really poignant, even if I had to laugh at the way he said it.
@@worrywirt Hard disagree there. Not that I dislike Father John Misty, but their music is pretty straightforward when you get down to it. Kaufman (and Synecdoche, New York in particular) are _far_ too surreal to be compared with FJM. If you ask me, the musical equivalent to SNY would be something more like Tim Hecker's album "Virgins", or some of Xiu Xiu's stuff, maybe "Girl With Basket Of Fruit" or "Women as Lovers".
To this day i still have no idea what to make of Synecdoche, New York. I find it both brilliant and pretentious at times, but its always thought provoking in that strange, melancholic way. It was personally way too depressing for me since i related a lot to the characters in the film, which ultimately made the journey difficult. The weird part is i still think about the film from time to time. And it definitely has grown on me the older i get. Will have to revisit it again sometime :)
It's one to watch again at different stages of your life, Charlie Kaufman is great at pinpointing what a lot of people feel and putting it on screen, you gain something new from it every time you see it.
Indeed! Although he does seem to have a fascination with middle aged men going through mid life crisis's haha! I have a feeling this film will age VERY well, since it really is wonderful to rewatch.
This voice offends me, someone who was completely out of the loop didn't know anything about Charlie kaufman, didn't know anything about eternal Sunshine the spot was mine, being John mouthavitch, adaptation, and then this movie that got a limited release. This movie that thank God didn't get a wide release because it would have suffered the aronofsky mother fate Going on box office mojo to look at a movie that released and limited theaters is ridiculous. The more interesting thing is the academy snubs When you understand the type of people who run the academy and the type of goodwilled people who made this movie, you would understand why it's recognized for its unmatchable artistic integrity, but not enough to give it an award. But they did get The King's speech a f****** awesome
Thanks for this. I could only understand that it was about death. This brought up a lot of things that I myself see within me and idk if that's a good thing.
The Celts weren't a single society of people with a unified culture, but rather a diasporic lingual group, making it difficult to make generalizations like "the Celts thought *blank* was *blank*." Absolutely amazing video on an absolutely amazing movie, though. Good job.
Good job on the vid. Never realized Cotard delusion. I saw it in theaters, got it on dvd, then blu-ray. There's a good round-table discussion in the special features. It takes something out of you every time you watch it. You could go so much deeper, would you consider more parts to the analysis of the movie. The funny parts to me are the saliva scene and the fake tear scene. Overall, I like to think the movie only spans about a year, where we the viewer get to see Cotard's MacArthur grant funded "play", which is the story of the play which never gets actualized. Maybe Kaufman has inadvertently put a version of himself in his own film...again. Maybe all lines spoken were planned out by Cotard. sorry for the length.
Thanks! I'll have to see if I can find that somewhere, I'd like to watch that. Oh for sure, the saliva scene gets me every time, Phil was such a talent. I'd definitely consider it, but it's not likely unless I really feel I have a lot more to say, and at the moment I feel like I covered all of the major bases. There's always more to discuss with a movie this intelligent, but I'm pleased with my contribution. Though who knows, maybe I'll watch it again in a few months/years and have a completely different take on things.
If you can't cry in this movie then something is seriously wrong. I like the overall message -that you are not the center of the universe each of us have our own story
One thing I just noticed: the magazine article that says 'It's good to be Adele' is so interesting because in a way Cotard's whole problem is that he CANT be Adele. He can't be okay with her way of life, he can't work on a smaller scale, he can't stop being so neurotic, he won't ever get the recognition she gets and most importantly he won't ever get out of his own head and start really considering the world around him.
I don't know why it's never mentioned, but I absolutely hate Adele... in my view she is the one who destructed Caden from within. She gave him false hope when she said she loves him, and that it's only a month in Berlin and then she's coming back , and that they'll talk about their relationship when she gets back. Then the way she dumped him, and took his child away from him (he never recovered from that). Not only that, to ensure that their child never asks again about her father, she painted a black picture about him in her daughter's mind claiming that he left them to be with a man. She's a constant liar. ADELE IS EVIL!
Self centred - pain focussed on him a lot. Ellen - allows him to get out of his frame, to see and be seen (no need for play anymore that makes everyone the lead, that is, self centred). Equality established. Adele hating on theatre because using other people's work, not setting on self exploration and vulnerability?
Have you seen it? I think this movie does the complete opposite opposite of suck...it blows! xD Couldn't resist. In all seriousness, it's a great film, one of my favorites, but it's definitely not for everyone.
I adore this film. I think many of us see a bit of ourselves in Caden, especially those of us who strive for creative recognition. We want praise, validation, and sometimes that can get in the way of our emotional connections and relationships with others. All of us are at least a tad self-centered; that's part of the human condition. Kaufman throws it in our face and that doesn't go unappreciated. This is an excellent and ambitious video, Dan. I really want to rewatch Synecdoche, and I can't wait for part two! Keep it up!
I think so too, and I think it's why it resonates with so many people. Thank you so much! You should, it's so great!
You should rewatch it many times or else you haven't really seen it :)
I couldn't agree more
Everyone is Everyone, Everyone is Caden.
best movie ever made.
Gabriel Bizzlebop Yay! Someone else agrees!
I have watched this film five times and skimmed it as many times, and it is a truly staggering work of art. When I recommend it to people I always add that they need to give it their full, undivided attention.
Truly.
Ya charlies a great director. This, waking life and a scanner darkly will always be my top three.
@@drakoinx It's incredible how unknown A Scanner Darkly is, considering all the huge names involved and the general success of PKD adaptations. If you haven't already, you should seriously read the book. It's one of PKD's best, IMO. The "What does a scanner see?" and "That one touch of her hand" segments are probably the most powerfully PKD has ever resonated with me. That's not even mentioning the afterword - literature, movies, and music very rarely make me genuinely emotional, but I was in tears by the end of that afterword.
holy shit your perspective on the film is so different from other youtubers I watch. This is truly a testament on how masterfully crafted this film is
I just saw this movie minutes ago.. can't stop the tears, magnificent!
I love this film. There's so many layers to it and possible interpretations, it's a different experience every time I watch it.
It's really amazing, Charlie Kaufman is a wonderful talent, I wish Hollywood would let him make movies.
And that's exactly what Charlie wanted ❤
I always return to this film and I take a new piece of life lessons from it. Caden's project of making a huge play always reminded me of procrastination. Like when you're a student you waste alot of time trying to find the "best way to study" when the answer is is to just get started. Alot of his issues were him being to scared to make a choice in fear of it backfiring. He didn't commit to hazel, he didn't continue to pursue olive until it was too late, he didn't name his play, he didnt try to make his relationship with Claire work, and he didn't follow through with his own suicide. Everything he did was half assed.
So what I got out of it was if I wanted to not be a caden, I had to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. I went back to college for what I'm passionate about, and also work. Earlier in my life when I watched this film I broke up with a girl that I could have been in a loveless relationship with because I feared I wouldn't be able to find anyone else. Now I'm married to my life partner. You have to be honest with yourself and go after what you want, and really know what you want in life. Because we all are just going to die, so you might as well try.
You might mention this, but just in case you don't and I forget to comment, there is also the rose tattoo which sheds the leaf when Olive dies which was also a line in the poem about Autumn in the beginning of the movie.
Adele Lack Cotard = A delicate art
holy fuck....
Mind blown
A deaf black tard
maybe? also? that's my interpretation, anyway.
Beautiful film, beautiful analysis. One thing I love about this film is that, I believe, no person leaves this film with the same interpretation as another. This is what makes it such a masterful piece of art. Not only that, but it is one of few films I can say has actually affected my mentality and the way I view things. Many films incorporate death into their story, but this is one of few, if not the only film where it feels like you're watching somebody who is already dead. There's so much about this film that I truly adore that it only grows on me more and more as time passes by. And man, there is quite an irony in that.
Thank you kindly! I'd say that's true for all of Charlie Kaufman's work, which is why I think he's such a good writer, being able to draw so many different reactions from an audience is amazing. Yeah, he really is a zombie through most of the movie, which I think is a really accurate portrayal of depression and anxiety.
Another fantastic video. You can see truly see the amount of effort that goes into these essays, and it's wonderful and impressive. Keep up the great work brother.
Thanks bro!
This is such a brilliant video! I hated Synecdoche, New York so much when I first watched it. I found it to be boring, pretentious, and honestly pointless. Your analysis has opened my eyes and provided a complete 180 degree shift in opinion. I see now how important this film is and how very resonant it is with many aspects of my own human condition. Caden's reluctance to open his heart and fear of connection is something I think all people can honestly, profoundly relate to. Your insight and deconstruction of this film is truly invaluable to pulling the absolute most out of a viewing experience. Amazing work, friend. Truly great work. I eagerly anticipate the second part to this video. Also, thank you so, so much for plugging my music with this video. I cannot begin to thank you enough!
Glad I could change your mind! That's the wonder of Charlie Kaufman, shoving reality right in your face whether you like it or not. Thank you so much for the kind words. I love your music, I wouldn't share it if I didn't think it was truly worth anyone and everyone's time to check out!
Watch YMS analysis on Synecdoche, New York. It's even more in-depth, you will understand everything. It's my favorite movie and it's amazing when you understand the complexity of every detail .
After watching it, I honestly have no idea what’s the difference between honesty and pretension anymore
Its good you realized that. Here's a little tip - if you think something is pretentious, the problem probably isn't with the movie. "Pretentious" is a word people use when they want to insult something, but there's nothing to insult.
They use it when they don't immediately understand something, but don't want to feel stupid or engage with the work. It's easier to dismiss something as pretentious than it is to open yourself to it, or to be an active viewer. And after all, if something is pretentious nonsense, then it's ok if you didn't really engage with it, and you wouldn't have to feel bad for not understanding it!
It's a word that's totally divorced from its original meaning, and is used as an excuse to dismiss or even shame originality, honesty, and experimentation. It's the way people who only watch big budget summer blockbusters or listen to top 40 justify their narrow viewpoint.
Next time you find yourself thinking something is pretentious, ask yourself what made you think that. If you don't find a solid reason (as opposed to an overall feeling/impression), try letting yourself be more receptive to it; watch with an open heart and active mind. Let the art do what it's trying to do. You might just find something great.
TL;DR - The word "pretentious" is almost exclusively used as an excuse to justify plebianism.
Brilliant and powerful as always, Dan. I could listen to an hour lecture by you just talking and analyzing films. Seriously, you have a talent.
Thank you so much Tash! Such kind words :3
They're also honest words.
This is truly the freshest perspective that I have encountered on the film in quite some time. I absolutely loved it! Quite possibly the most underrated film of all time. Can't wait to go through your other videos now :)
Wow, thank you! It truly is an incredible film, one that way more people need to see!
Hey, great analysis! Personally, though I'm not sure if Caden really experiences understanding in the end. He seems to be trying to appreciate Ellen's story, but when she tells him about her life, he imagines connections that relate only to HIMSELF, such as Adele telling him everybody's disappointing or an image of his daughter Olive, after hearing, "Where is my little girl?" repeated over and over. So even though, he tries to break down his wall and understand somebody else, I think he still ultimately falls back into selfishness. By the way, I'm sorry if that sounds totally pessimistic! It's just my personal opinion on the film's ending. Your analysis is fantastic by the way! You've clearly got a lot of talent. Thanks for this video! :)
I think there was a very nuanced conveyance of self and other in the denouement of the film. Yes, Caden was incredibly wrapped up in his own ego, but he rebounded near the end. He'd tell those around him that they were all components in not only his story but as 'lead actors' in their own, and of course he was unable to fully, emotionally reach his audience. So, using the surrogate of the likes of Sammy - someone who, despite being something of a 'shadow' himself, is actually able to reach those he loved, like Hazel, and tell her all the things Caden wished so much to. And because Sammy is able to communicate this love unhinibitedly, his heart breaks since he was also truly in love with Hazel. He cares for his daughter Olive because that's what parents are supposed to do. But life slips him by, and he only sees her when she's covered in tattoos and dying, and even then she doesn't recognize him until she quotes a poem they bonded over when she was a child. Yes, Adele is successful and happy because she's able to remove herself from her art, which Caden is unable to do. Increasingly throughout the film, he loses the ability to differentiate between reality and dream, (i.e. the self-help author lady on the plane). Also, his relationship with Claire was a bit confusing. I think she was almost a little marginalized, but she did express a genuine interest in Caden's vision. However, like so many people in Caden's life, she slips him by. Finally, at the end, Caden is able to fully dissolve his ego by placing it outside of himself into Ellen. No longer is it a one-sided story with him as the unreliable narrator. He has moved beyond himself. "You are no Caden. You are Olive. Adele. Claire." It's heart-wrenchingly brilliant. And so many layers!I I love how personal yet all-encompassing Kaufman's works are. He addresses all aspects of the human condition. Both ugly and beautiful.
I think what's great about this movie is that everyone can have a totally different perspective. Everyone's lives include contexts to certain situations and connections that others may not make. It's weird because Caden is almost a blank slate character despite the movie being a very detailed character study. You can't relate to most of his personal experiences but his emotional experiences are almost a rite of passage for most people. I'm aware this comment is from 8 years ago but I'm here now reading all these fascinating comments.
One note on Adele's name: Lack was her surname after her and Caden split. During their marriage, it was "Adele Lack-Cotard".
Adele Lack-Cotard.
_A delicate art._
Actually incredible, incredible to come up with that and incredible to notice.
Great video and analysis. I've only seen the movie once, since it is so powerful, but I thought a lot about it. I have an additional analysis arising from the burning house; why are there so many bizarre things in the story? The burning house? The lady with the sore feet? the illnesses? - I figured out that the entire movie might be a reconstruction of Caden's lifestory through his fading memories. That's why the house is on fire; Hazel's house ended up burning, and that's why in retrospective, the house always seemed to be on fire; the memories are mixed. This is the case with the illnesses as well; they are perhaps representing all the illnesses old Caden is experiencing as an old man when thinking about and reconstructing his life. Mixup of past and present by an old mind. And the massive dome project could represent the act of reacting an entire life in your head - but its not real. The people are not real - they are constructed from memory and reenacts memories. And every reenactment moves further away from the truth, because madeup ideas are accepted as facts and added to the story.
That's a really cool theory that I haven't heard before, it certainly makes a lot of sense. Honestly, I think even 50 years from now, most of us will still be scratching our heads trying to figure this movie out, and I think that's why Kaufman intended. He seems more interested in emotional experiences in film than a film necessarily making logical sense.
There will never be enough things to say about this film. Bravo!
I never noticed that it was indeed Cadens self-centeredness that let him suffer, maybe because i myself have the same condition. I thought of him more like being dedicated to art, not to himself. Your analysis let me live through the movie again, very touching!
Mine is only one interpretation, so you're welcome to agree or disagree with anything I've said in this video(with obvious exception to certain things that are just true about the movie) but for the most part this was my interpretation at the time of making the video, I might come to feel completely differently about the film in time, but that was how I read it at the time.
The father John line wraps it all up nicely. Also. Great song
Excellent analysis. I adore this film, have seen it many times, and you still raised really interesting points I hadn't previously considered. Very good job man.
Awesome to hear! I appreciate it!
What a great video!!! Honestly super engaging with the editing too. Subscribed!
loved the movie and this essay really helped me understand so much more of it. I appreciate the time you spent on this. :D
I'm glad I could help offer some insight on the film! I appreciate the time you spent watching! :D
"Piano One" is one of the most beautiful pieces i have ever heard. How can i 1 minute and 20 second track convey so much emotion without any lyrics
Great analysis. Looking forward to that next video.
Thanks! It should be up in another two to three weeks!
Just found your channel, and I love what I've seen so far. On par with Channel Criswell, LFTS, etc for sure, and hopefully you'll blow up like they have in the past months.
Wow, thank you! I admire both of those channels a great deal. That's the dream anyways, I'm just trying to stay diligent and keep working to improve!
Man, this sound tracks on point. Little person and song for caden have been on my phone for years.
Great stuff! I do love this film and you've done a great job analysing it, congrats and greetings from London.
Thank you very much! Greetings from Chicago :)
Great interpretation. Thank you!
Subscribed. I love this film, and this was some great analysis.
Thank you kindly!
This movie was soooo depressing. I couldn’t stop thinking about it for days after I watched. I recommend it to everyone.
This is wonderful.
While I do think Adele is more selfish than you spoke about here, this was put together very well.
Thank you! Yeah, I can definitely see that, but I kind of see the film as a very biased POV movie, like, we're seeing the characters the way that Caden sees them more than the way they actually are, but that's the beauty of a movie like this, we can both be right, it's all completely open for interpretation.
saw it in the theater. emotionally devastating. i can't blame most for not wanting to watch this
I love your videos! Please upload more content like this!
Thank you! I will!
Ever since this popped up on Netflix I’ve been obsessed with the movie I watch it at least 6 times within the same week.I EVEN DOWNLOADED THE SONG “LITTLE
PEOPLE” FROM THE SOUNDTRACK
Beautiful movie with a gorgeous soundtrack.
Wow, best video I have seen on Synecdoche, NY (of which there are too many)
Quite the compliment, thank you so much!
That's quite the compliment considering there's YMS's analysis of it. I haven't seen either of yers entirely so I won't judge for now but this is looking to be one of the best.
I love this film, although it reads to me at many times like an absurdist comedy. I felt like it was inviting me not to take it so seriously during its most depressing parts, which I actually loved. Maybe my interpretation is a reflection of myself in some way, but the whimsical and surreal nature of this movie felt in line with a comedy.
fun fact:
Adele Lack Cotard sounds like "a delicate art"
If I didn't know who Father John Misty was I would have thought he was a 16th century theologist or something given the way you presented him. Great video though, that was exceptional analysis. I don't really find the same significance you did in the names of the characters, but admittedly that's the type of thing Kaufman could have totally spent hours deciding on. Also throughout the movie I kept thinking how much it resembled a Borges story, and I feel like a lot of the same themes apply.
Hahaha, it was my attempt at a little bit of tongue-in-cheek humor. Though I do feel that line accurately sums up a lot of my feelings about the film. Thank you! Oh for sure, it's a pretty wide open film for interpretations. I'm actually not familiar with his work!
Tbf FJM is kind of the musical equivalent of Charlie Kaufman, at least imo. That quote is really poignant, even if I had to laugh at the way he said it.
@@worrywirt Hard disagree there. Not that I dislike Father John Misty, but their music is pretty straightforward when you get down to it. Kaufman (and Synecdoche, New York in particular) are _far_ too surreal to be compared with FJM. If you ask me, the musical equivalent to SNY would be something more like Tim Hecker's album "Virgins", or some of Xiu Xiu's stuff, maybe "Girl With Basket Of Fruit" or "Women as Lovers".
First viewing of this film was hard work. I need some time to comprehend what I saw!
Q: did you ever indeed make the "Second" part-two video you were talking about making, on this subject??
To this day i still have no idea what to make of Synecdoche, New York. I find it both brilliant and pretentious at times, but its always thought provoking in that strange, melancholic way. It was personally way too depressing for me since i related a lot to the characters in the film, which ultimately made the journey difficult.
The weird part is i still think about the film from time to time. And it definitely has grown on me the older i get. Will have to revisit it again sometime :)
It's one to watch again at different stages of your life, Charlie Kaufman is great at pinpointing what a lot of people feel and putting it on screen, you gain something new from it every time you see it.
Indeed! Although he does seem to have a fascination with middle aged men going through mid life crisis's haha! I have a feeling this film will age VERY well, since it really is wonderful to rewatch.
Very interesting, but very literal interpretation of this film.
Although I didn't really like this movie, the scene where him and Olive reminisce on the street about the fairies is just soooo good
Haha, you're not alone, it's a divisive one, but yeah, there are some undeniably sweet moments to be found.
This voice offends me, someone who was completely out of the loop didn't know anything about Charlie kaufman, didn't know anything about eternal Sunshine the spot was mine, being John mouthavitch, adaptation, and then this movie that got a limited release. This movie that thank God didn't get a wide release because it would have suffered the aronofsky mother fate
Going on box office mojo to look at a movie that released and limited theaters is ridiculous. The more interesting thing is the academy snubs
When you understand the type of people who run the academy and the type of goodwilled people who made this movie, you would understand why it's recognized for its unmatchable artistic integrity, but not enough to give it an award. But they did get The King's speech a f****** awesome
That was amazing, thanks a lot, what an insightful reading.
The Fall of your life... where the bloom falls off the rose & things start to die... this statement caused me crippling depression.
Really a 360 review ......more than one can think .......i would like you to review Stanley Kubrick's -Eyes Wide Shut.....I will be waiting
one of the best soundtracks ever!
Hell yeah it is, Jon Brion all the way baby!
Film Radar check out his album meaningless if you haven't already, some real funky tunes can be found!
thanks!
This was great!
Thank you! I'm glad you could enjoy one of my fossils :D
This is great, my only criticism is the audio needs work, the movie clips are too quiet
Definitely something I've tried to improve in future videos, but you're definitely right about that.
Thanks for this. I could only understand that it was about death. This brought up a lot of things that I myself see within me and idk if that's a good thing.
Awesome analysis, but the editing is really distracting, especially the black and red screen wipes.
Just discovered your videos, this is quality content! Subbed
Thank you very much!
The Celts weren't a single society of people with a unified culture, but rather a diasporic lingual group, making it difficult to make generalizations like "the Celts thought *blank* was *blank*."
Absolutely amazing video on an absolutely amazing movie, though. Good job.
Good job on the vid. Never realized Cotard delusion. I saw it in theaters, got it on dvd, then blu-ray. There's a good round-table discussion in the special features. It takes something out of you every time you watch it. You could go so much deeper, would you consider more parts to the analysis of the movie. The funny parts to me are the saliva scene and the fake tear scene. Overall, I like to think the movie only spans about a year, where we the viewer get to see Cotard's MacArthur grant funded "play", which is the story of the play which never gets actualized. Maybe Kaufman has inadvertently put a version of himself in his own film...again. Maybe all lines spoken were planned out by Cotard. sorry for the length.
Thanks! I'll have to see if I can find that somewhere, I'd like to watch that. Oh for sure, the saliva scene gets me every time, Phil was such a talent. I'd definitely consider it, but it's not likely unless I really feel I have a lot more to say, and at the moment I feel like I covered all of the major bases. There's always more to discuss with a movie this intelligent, but I'm pleased with my contribution. Though who knows, maybe I'll watch it again in a few months/years and have a completely different take on things.
If you can't cry in this movie then something is seriously wrong. I like the overall message -that you are not the center of the universe each of us have our own story
One thing I just noticed: the magazine article that says 'It's good to be Adele' is so interesting because in a way Cotard's whole problem is that he CANT be Adele. He can't be okay with her way of life, he can't work on a smaller scale, he can't stop being so neurotic, he won't ever get the recognition she gets and most importantly he won't ever get out of his own head and start really considering the world around him.
I do think that when Caden says "are you sure it's alright?" he didn't brush off concern for Olive, but Adele did.
You may be right, she's hardly winning parent of the year awards.
Haha exactly!
Beautiful beautiful interpretation of the film.
Thank you very much!
Never seen this fim before, looks great tho. Thanks for the great effort! Got a sub from me
It's amazing, just super weird, and kind of confusing. Thanks for subscribing!
great video
This video is great. New subscriber:)
Great video. Great movie. All I'll add is, Albert Camus!
No sympayby but he reaches out for help
I don't know why it's never mentioned, but I absolutely hate Adele... in my view she is the one who destructed Caden from within. She gave him false hope when she said she loves him, and that it's only a month in Berlin and then she's coming back , and that they'll talk about their relationship when she gets back. Then the way she dumped him, and took his child away from him (he never recovered from that). Not only that, to ensure that their child never asks again about her father, she painted a black picture about him in her daughter's mind claiming that he left them to be with a man. She's a constant liar. ADELE IS EVIL!
Self centred - pain focussed on him a lot.
Ellen - allows him to get out of his frame, to see and be seen (no need for play anymore that makes everyone the lead, that is, self centred). Equality established.
Adele hating on theatre because using other people's work, not setting on self exploration and vulnerability?
2:43 Cute Ocarina of Time gag
Thanks ;)
the movie is an anti Harold and Maude, the coming of age story of a 40 year old
I might be the only one on the comment section who hated the movie. I find it pretentious.
I mean, it is, but I don't think that's inherently a bad thing.
This is one of the worst movies ever made, alongside A Streetcar Named Desire, The Human Centipede, and Being John Malkovich.
i can tell this movie sucks
Have you seen it? I think this movie does the complete opposite opposite of suck...it blows! xD Couldn't resist. In all seriousness, it's a great film, one of my favorites, but it's definitely not for everyone.
I'll give it 10 minutes... ill be back
Too fucking slow and boring. but if you're in jail and this was the only thing playing... best fuckig film ever.. right?
I guess it's just not your cup of tea, nothing wrong with that.
Still a dumbass?